New Miami High School Senior Guidance Newsletter #1 September 2014

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1 New Miami High School Senior Guidance Newsletter #1 September 2014 Dear Seniors and Parents, As you approach this final year of high school, you may be feeling many different emotions. There is often much excitement about the many events that will take place and a growing satisfaction that all your hard work will finally be rewarded. Many of you, however, may also be feeling anxious about the decisions that must be made during this year. Your decisions will have a lasting impact on both your personal and professional life... so make them carefully. Fortunately, you have lots of help! Your parents, teachers, and counselor are all willing to assist you. Above all, we hope that you find the New Miami staff a valuable resource as you make your plans for "life after high school". You may be considering a four-year university, two-year college, technical school, apprenticeship program, on-thejob training, or a military career. Whatever choice you make, the counselor is available to help you locate information, fill out applications, secure forms, research financial aid options or obtain contacts. There are several ways the Guidance Office communicates career and college information to seniors and their parents: monthly newsletters, bulletin board displays, announcements and our Facebook page. Seniors newsletters will be available at school in the Guidance office and will be distributed in your English class. Another valuable tool is the College files located in the Guidance Office. The materials available for your use are college view books, CD s and other computer generated programs; military catalogs; career references and much more. The entire New Miami staff would like to wish you a wonderful senior year. Call our office during school hours at or come in and set up an appointment if you have concerns or questions. We want to help make your senior year and transition after high school as smooth as possible.

2 Frequently Asked Questions about the ACT/SAT 1. How important are these tests in determining my admission to college? Although most colleges report that they give more consideration to the GPA and class rank, colleges do look at test scores carefully. In fact, many create a formula to include GPA, class rank and college entrance scores. Additionally, assessment results are often considered as part of scholarship and grant awards for universities and scholarship agencies. 2. Who should take these tests? Anyone planning to attend college needs to have an entrance exam score. Students who have not yet made a decision should also consider taking one or both tests. Having a test score keeps the option open to go to college. 3. What if my scores seem significantly out of line with my GPA and class rank? This is not unusual. While there can be many explanations, here are two of the most common. 1) If your test scores are well below your GPA, this may indicate that you are a hard working student who performs well on a daily basis but has some difficulty applying learned material under testing conditions. 2) If your test scores are significantly better than your GPA, you may be a student who has yet to reach your optimal potential. 4. What are the important facts about the ACT? The ACT is a content-based, achievement test measuring what a student has learned in school. It has 4 required components: English, mathematics, reading and science. The scores are based on the number correct with no correction for guessing. There is a writing test along with the traditional ACT Assessment known as ACT Plus Writing. The Writing Test is an optional choice for students based upon an institution s policies. Now students can register for either the ACT Assessment (English, reading, math, science) OR the ACT Assessment Plus Writing (English, reading, math, science, and writing test). The writing score is graded separately and is not part of the composite score. 5. What are the SAT program basics? The SAT is a test measuring critical thinking skills, reasoning, and verbal abilities. It assesses how well students analyze and solve problems. The SAT is aptitude-based and measures how learned knowledge is applied. Additionally, the test includes a mandatory writing component as well as math and critical reading sections. The SAT has a correction for guessing. That means they take off for wrong answers. The SAT Subject Tests are designed to measure students knowledge and skills in particular subject areas, as well as their ability to apply that knowledge. Students take the subject tests to demonstrate to colleges their mastery of specific subjects like English, History, Mathematics, Science and Languages. Language tests with listening are administered on CDs rather than on cassette tapes. Test-takers will need to provide a portable, battery-operated, non-recording, non-digital CD player.

3 6. How do I decide which test to take? It is always wise to check with your prospective colleges to see which test they accept. Many will accept either. In general, the ACT seems to be particularly popular in Mid-western colleges while eastern schools tend to prefer the SAT. 7. When should I take these tests? It is a good idea to take these tests during the 2nd semester of the junior year and repeat them in the beginning of your senior year. This gives students some flexibility in scheduling retests and meeting college and scholarship deadlines. If you have not taken either test, you should register for the next available one. 8. How many times may I take the tests? There is no limit to the number of times you may take either test. However, both testing companies report that students do not significantly improve their scores after taking the test more than three times. Students should consider retesting if they: 1) had any problem during the test, such as misunderstanding the directions; 2) did not feel physically well; 3) had feelings of anxiety; 4) are not satisfied that scores accurately represent their abilities or 5) have the opportunity to participate in a test preparation program. 9. What if I score better on my first test than my second? Schools normally take the higher score. 10. How do I register for either test? ACT and SAT prefer online registration. You can register for the SAT at and for the ACT go to By registering online your test date and test site is confirmed immediately. 11. How should I prepare for my college entrance tests? Free booklets with practice questions are available in the Guidance Office. Students may pick them up in the guidance office. Practice workbooks, software, etc. are available at all major bookstores. The ACT and SAT websites offer free test preparation exercises. For those students who desire more formal preparation, there are ACT and SAT prep classes held in various locations. 12. Should I have my test scores reported directly to prospective colleges? This is a personal choice. Each test offers to report your scores to several colleges of your choice as part of your test fee application. However, if you choose to report scores later, there is an additional application and fee involved. Score report forms for both tests are available in the Guidance Office. 13. Can I use a calculator to take the math tests? Information about the types and models of calculators permitted or prohibited on the ACT and SAT can be found online.

4 14. Can students with disabilities take these tests? Students with disabilities can take the ACT and SAT by receiving accommodations during national test dates based on professionally diagnosed and documented disabilities. Complete information and instructions are available by talking to your school counselor. CHANGES IN ACT TESTING INDENTIFICATION: You are now required to upload a photo of yourself when you register for the ACT. You are also required to bring in your photo id when you check in on the day of the test. The uploaded photo will be printed on your ticket and on the score report ACT sends to your high school. Your photo will be valid for two years from the date it is added to your ACT record. Your photo must be added by no later than the Tuesday before testing. If you miss the deadline, your registration will be canceled and you will not be admitted to test. You will then need to request a test date change and pay the fee for the test date change. If you do not have access to a digital photo to upload via computer, or you don t have access to a mobile device to take and upload a photo please see your guidance counselor to assist you. STANDBY TESTING: Students who miss the late registration deadline can no longer walk in on test day with a standby request for or packet. Students who want to make a test center or test date change can no longer do so on test day. Standby registration must be completed online, no later than the Tuesday before the ACT test. Each student can receive 2 fee waivers. The waiver covers the cost of taking the test. Fee waivers can be picked up in the guidance office. Free: ACT or SAT Test Preparation. Take online ACT or SAT preparation courses. Each preparation course takes approximately hours to complete. Visit for more information. New Miami High School College Code Number (ceeb#)

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7 College Open House Information & Other Opportunities Step Forward Explore Volunteerism Event- Tuesday September 23 rd from 4:00-7:00 pm. Organizations that need volunteers in Butler County will have exhibits and are eager to meet you to describe their volunteer opportunities as well as provide information about the important programs and services they provide for our community. (Theobald Hall, Berkeley Square, Berkeley Drive, Hamilton, Ohio 45013) College Planning Night for Students with Disabilities-Tuesday, October 28 th, 2014 from 7-9pm. Mount St. Joseph University Seton Center Corona Room University of Dayton Open Houses- Sunday, September 14 th, Sunday, October 5 th and Sunday November 9 th. RSVP at admission.udayton.edu/openhouse. Have questions call

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10 College and Job applicants may be adversely affected by Facebook and Social Media pages High school seniors may be concerned about grades and test scores, but they should also be worried about Facebook or other social networking pages that may count against them by college admissions and prospective employers. According to a survey by the education company Kaplan, 500 top colleges found that 10 percent of admissions officers acknowledged looking at social-networking sites to evaluate applicants. Thirty-eight percent of the colleges making use of the online information said that they were negatively affected by their views of the applicant. Only a quarter of the schools checking the sites said their views were improved. Some college admissions officers have said they rejected students because of material on the MySpace sites. Representatives of the websites pointed out that users can establish online privacy settings that let their pages be viewed only by invited guests, but Kaplan and many high-school guidance counselors say students often don't restrict public access on the sites. Applicants are strongly advised to refrain from including anything that could hurt them in college admissions. The Scholarship Corner General Scholarships As general scholarship information becomes available it will appear in each newsletter. The description of each scholarship is always provided for you. Read it carefully to see if your needs fit the criteria. Applications are available in Guidance. Prudential Spirit of Community Award- Are you a high school student who s making a difference through volunteering? Apply for the 2015 Prudential Spirit of Community Award and you could win $1,000 and a trip to Washington D.C. next May! Go to to access the online application. Deadline is November 4, 2014 College/University-Based Scholarships Almost every college and university sponsors scholarships for the students who make application to that specific school. Scholarship applications are kept on file in the THS Guidance Office as we receive them. It is the student's responsibility to look through the files and select scholarships they wish to apply for based upon their career focus and school of choice. Ask your counselor for help if you have question College Preview Days and Open House Activities All colleges and universities provide on campus recruitment and visitation programs. These events allow perspective students and their parents to visit the campus and receive an overview of what is offered in terms of academics, housing, cultural and

11 social opportunities. Students can attend special programs; meet with admission and financial aid personnel; and set up appointments to talk with faculty members. Students should contact their schools of choice to find out when these events are scheduled. Check out the Guidance Office bulletin board (outside of the guidance office) for updated college preview days and open house opportunities. Knowledge for COLLEGE Knowledge for COLLEGE is an online publication available for college-bound students and their parents. Topics featured in this publication include: steps in choosing a college, college admission timeline, tops for attending college fairs, financial aid information, free scholarship search and much more. You can download your own copy of Knowledge for COLLEGE by going to Suggested College Application Time Line September September Register for ACT or SAT tests Turn in transcript release form to counseling office Write your college resume and/or activities sheet Ask at least 2 people for letters of recommendation Register with NCAA Clearinghouse if you are an athlete planning to play Division I or II sports at the college level Register for your FAFSA PIN number for you and at least one of your parents at Have senior pictures taken. Complete your college essay and keep a copy on the computer Narrow college choices to 3 and visit all 3 campuses if possible Have letters of recommendation complete October Take ACT or SAT test November 30 Have all college applications complete and mailed to at least 3 schools of your choice January 2015 FAFSA - Begin by having your parents complete their IRS return, then complete the FAFSA online; Call the school of your

12 choice to find out their priority deadline for the FAFSA or check out their admissions/financial aid website. Important Web Sites for College Planning Important web sites can be found on the New Miami High School Guidance webpage. Those addresses can be very helpful to seniors and their parents as they move through the college and career planning process. You can find information about military careers, colleges & universities, programs of study & training, perform job searches and investigate different occupations, financial aid and scholarships, assessment links, and much more. FYI The Common Application is now available online at It can be used to apply to almost 500 colleges/universities to their undergraduate programs. The application can be downloaded, completed online and submitted electronically. Many schools use this process exclusively and give equal consideration to the Common Application and their own form. Go online to see what colleges and universities use the Common Application for admission. Requesting Letters of Recommendation When you need letters of recommendation you can ask your school counselor and at least one teacher you had in the 11th or 12th grade for a core course (English, Social Studies, Math, Science). Those individuals will need a copy of your activities. Complete a Personal Data Sheet that is available from the Guidance Office and give it to anyone who writes you letters of recommendation. Give a copy to your counselor to keep on file if you need any additional copies. Inform the person writing your letter of recommendation when it is due and if they should return the letter to you or mail it directly to an institution. If they are responsible for mailing the recommendation, you should include a stamped, addressed envelope. Allow 1-2 weeks for your letters to be written. A thank you note to the person who wrote the letter would also be nice!

13 College Representative Visits If students want to meet with college reps. visiting New Miami High School, they need to sign up in the Guidance Office for a pass. The admission ticket must be signed on the day of the visit by the teacher you have during the period the appointment has been scheduled. Below is a partial list of the schools that have already scheduled a time to meet with interested students: Additional schools will be added to the calendar so listen to the daily announcements. Wednesday, September 8:30 Trine University Wednesday, September 9:30 Bowling Green University Wednesday, September 10:00 Morehead State University Monday, September 6 Lunch Ball State Thursday, September 23 Lunch Mt. St. Joseph University Passes can be picked up in the Guidance Office.

14 Graduate Services will be coming to New Miami and Butler Tech to take care of all your senior ordering needs! NEW MIAMI HIGH SCHOOL DATE: TIME: SENIOR MEETING 1/22/15 7:45 AM SENIOR ORDER 2/5/15, 2/6/15 7:00 AM ANNOUNCEMENT DELIVERY 4/17/15 7:00 AM CAP AND GOWN PASS OUT 4/17/15 7:00 AM RING INFORMATION 1/22/15 8:15 AM RING ORDER 2/5/15, 2/6/15 7:00 AM RING DELIVERY 4/17/15 7:00 AM BUTLER TECHNOLOGY AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT SCHOOL DATE: TIME: SENIOR MEETING 10/8/14 9:00 AM SENIOR ORDER 10/27/14, 10/28/14 Lunch, 7:00 am ANNOUNCEMENT DELIVERY 3/25/15 Lunch CAP AND GOWN PASS OUT 4/28/15 Lunch